Inauguration of the Phil-Aus Arts, Culture & Innovation Central

MESSAGE
As early as 1996, the grounds of the Multi-Purpose Centre at Rooty Hill acted as a nursery for the ambitious
seed that is to be Plaza Filipino Incorporated. Figures taken from the Australian Bureau of Statistics as of
January 2000 showed that the population of Australia was 19,000,000 of which there were 199,800 Filipinos.
Of the 6,422,000 Australians in New South Wales 101,800 were Filipinos. The bulk of Filipino migration in
Australia was centred in New South Wales with a staggering ratio of 51% . Clearly there was a need to have
another place somewhere in Sydney where Australian-Filipinos could call their “home away from home”.
That home took thirteen years to reach and we finally have reason to celebrate.
The home is where the heart is! The blood that keeps it alive is the people who shared the vision with us. On
this day of our greatest achievement, the Inauguration of the Philippines Australian
Arts, Culture and Innovation Central (a NARRA - Plaza Filipino Incorporation initiative)
we honour the men and women of Plaza Filipino Incorporated past and present, the
Philippine Consulate Sydney, the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA),
the Philippine Community Council, New South Wales (PCC, NSW), the Alliance of
Philippine Community Organisations (APCO), the National Affiliation of Respectable
and Responsible Associations Co-operative Limited (NARRA Ltd), politicians of all
spectrum of the Australian society, religious ministers and the various sponsors who
kept faith with us through these years.
Maraming Salamat po at Mabuhay!
Manuel G. Roux
President, Plaza Filipino Inc 2006-2007
MESSAGE
“Dream big. Work hard. Celebrate.”
As you read this, I hope you imagine me jumping with joy and beaming in happiness.
The dream that took 12 years in the making has finally come true. As you read this, you are standing on the
ground we can call our own - our very own space where we can nurture and showcase our rich Filipino heritage.
As you read this, you are most likely surrounded by the very same people that built the dream and started
working hard towards achieving it, despite the trials and tribulations. They have triumphed against all odds,
thanks to the support of the association members, their family, friends and well-wishers. They are the reason
that this dream has become a reality.
I would like to reiterate Plaza Filipino’s mission statement when 55 founding members signed a pact on the 8th
of August 2003. At the time, they agreed that the association will become a symbolic centrepiece of Filipino life
through the promotion of Philippine literature, music, performing arts, visual arts, crafts, design, film, video,
television, radio, community arts, Aboriginal arts and movable cultural heritage.
The list is long but I wanted to share it in its entirety to show how all-encompassing the mission statement
was all those years ago and how the inclusion of video, Aboriginal arts and movable cultural heritage shows
the group’s vision and ambition.
As you read this, we begin yet another exciting chapter in the association’s history. A new beginning that
wouldn’t have been possible without the community’s leaders, officers and members. A special mention goes
to all their family and friends who have supported the association’s fundraising events. It is through their
generosity that we now have a place where we can provide resources, mentorship and assistance to our
present and future crop of artists, entrepreneurs, innovators and, perhaps, philanthropists.
On behalf of the past and present board of directors of Plaza Filipino, I would like to
thank everyone who made this dream a reality. We thank you for your trust and wish
you and your family more blessings in the future.
This is just the start. There’s still a lot to do and we hope you will continue to support
us in our future endeavours.
Success doesn’t come without sacrifices and with sacrifices comes success. As you
read this, your sacrifices have borne fruit. The Philippine culture and arts will flourish
in Australia because of you.
Mabuhay ang ating inang bayang Pilipinas!
(Sgd)Michelle Baltazar
President, Plaza Filipino Inc 2016